Department of Health announcement

The department advised that more than 90 per cent of the Western Australian population, including the Perth metropolitan area, has benefited from fluoridation of water for more than 40 years. However Yanchep has not received the public health benefits of fluoridated water as it is currently supplied from a local bore source that is not linked to the Perth metropolitan supply.

Community water fluoridation is an important, cost-effective public health measure which plays a critical role in reducing dental decay and improving oral health. The benefits and safety of fluoridation of public drinking water supplies are supported by overwhelming scientific evidence.

Fluoridated drinking water particularly benefits children and those on a lower income as it is delivered directly into their home at no incremental cost. It contributes to a suite of oral health initiatives that include healthy diet, good oral hygiene, appropriate use of fluoridated toothpaste and regular dental check-ups, and will complement the existing public dental health services already available.

Fluoridation of water is backed by authoritative health research agencies and government bodies in Australia and worldwide, including the World Health Organization and the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia.

Permanent fluoridation of the Yanchep public water supply is scheduled for completion by December 2017. However, residents of Yanchep may be provided with fluoridated water from the Perth metropolitan supply during the summer of 2016/17 if it is necessary to supplement the local water supplies.

The Department of Health will work with the City of Wanneroo over coming months to keep the community fully informed and to answer resident queries.

For more information on community water fluoridation visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au and search “fluoride in drinking water” or telephone (08) 9388 4999.